“Oh, no doubt. I was determined not to in this instance as I was convinced that Foxton had talked her into it. Sadly, in my attempt to punish Foxton I drove my daughter away. I cannotundo what I did, Lucinda, but know that my heart has been dealt the blow of your mother’s death for many years. I’m sorry that my actions caused you so much grief as well.”
“Thank you for telling me about her. I have so many questions, but you look fatigued. Perhaps we can visit again and get to know each other.”
His eyes lit up with hope. “I would like that very much.”
After her grandfather had gone, Tony came up to her and offered her his hand. She took it as he led her out into the garden.
“I am so proud of you.” He kissed the top of her hand. The tingles spread up her arm and made her shiver with delight. She wished he had kissed her on the mouth. Properly.
Shocked, she said, “For not fainting or for speaking my mind?”
He laughed, his summer-blue eyes shining. “Both. I think you have more of your mother in you than you know.”
Did she? “It is strange but my memories of her were always of her in bed, ill with something but I never knew what ailed her. It does not match the woman Lord Shorten described.”
“He remembers her at your age. When she was carefree and reckless.”
“Do you think I am reckless?” She watched Tony closely while he thought about his answer.
“No. Do I think you have the potential to be reckless? Yes.”
His answer pleased her, though she was not sure why. “Thank you, for finding him, for bringing him here. You had no obligation to do so.”
“I did it for you.” His smile made his face even more handsome. He reached out a hand as if he would cup her cheek, but then he let it drop. “Mother thinks Dunstan is very keen on you since he has invited you to the opera. Do you still want him as your husband?”
That was not fair of him to say all these sentences one after the other so that she had no room to react to the first. Lucinda took a seat at the nearest bench. “I think so.” This was becoming all too real. Why was he bringing this up now when he knew her emotions were in turmoil?
“That is not good enough. I need to know before it goes any further.”
“I… what if he doesn’t continue his attentions?”
“Then he is not ready to commit. He will want to weigh up his options carefully. He may want to know your dowry ahead of time. He must weigh up the cost of a wife and all that entails.”
“You make it sound as romantic as buying a horse. Am I nothing but a horse to him?”
Tony sighed. “Lucinda, marriage is more than a ring and a vow in church. It is a legal transaction.”
“I am not to be bought or sold, thank you.”
“You must not think of it as such. Do you like him? Are you happy when you are around him?”
“Yes, he seems very nice but how am I to know for sure?”
“That is what courtship is for. For getting to know each other in a less formal way.”
What did she know of Phillip? Other than he was a good artist and an earl? She knew his mother lived, but nothing else about her. “What if we continue to court and we find we don’t suit? Are we obligated to marry?”
“Of course not. You may cry off if you are not happy, and it is better to do so as soon as you realize it. Before an engagement takes place.”
“That is a comfort.”
“There are no others you are interested in?”
She desperately tried to keep her face neutral as she told her lie. “No. There are no others.”
“Right. I will be prepared in case he asks to know more about your dowry.”
“Do you like him?”
